Bandar-e Anzali, Gilan prov., Aug 2, IRNA � Head of Iran-Russia Friendship and Cooperation Foundation Alexander Burtnik said that the first Russian bank is to open in Anzali Free Zone after getting required permits.

Speaking in a meeting with Managing Director of Anzali Free Zone Reza Masrour, Alexander Burtnik expressed readiness to open a bank branch in Anzali to offer services to merchants of the region and introduce Russian market's capacities.

He added that conditions have been prepared for signing an MoU with Anzali Trade-Industrial Free Zone Organization and for establishing representative office of the organization in Russia.

Burtnik referred to Anzali Free Zone's effective role in boosting trade exchange and exporting Iranian products to the Caspian Sea littoral states and Russia, adding that holding expert international exhibitions in Anzali Free Zone and increasing joint economic cooperation trigger acceleration of economic exchanges and boosting both sides' awareness of products, regulations and countries' capabilities.

Referring to developing infrastructures and launching Caspian port complex to provide grounds to develop economic cooperation and trade exchanges between Caspian Sea littoral states, Masrour said that holding joint expert meetings to introduce both countries' trade rules to merchants and businessmen particularly customs rules and standards, will result in developing and facilitating trade interactions.

On removing some tariff barriers on Iran-Russia trade, he reiterated that Anzali Free Zone is ready to host Iranian and Russian businessmen's joint meetings.

By IRNA